Troy accepting filings for mayoral candidates

The City of Troy has petitions available for anyone interested in filling the seat of recalled City Mayor Janice Daniels in a May 7 special election.

Former Troy City Council member Dane Slater was appointed as interim mayor last November and will hold the position until the special election. The new elected mayor will serve a term expiring November 2015.

Candidates must obtain either 400 valid signatures, or pay a $100 filing fee for their names to appear on the ballot. The filing fee goes into the city’s election account.

Last December, Oakland County 6th Circuit Court Judge Denise Langford Morris ruled that the city must hold a special election in May after a lawsuit was filed by Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and Attorney General Bill Schuette. City officials had previously said a February special election would violate their charter provisions. Morris ruled the city had to hold an election this May.

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Troy City Clerk Aileen Bittner said the city is working hard to spread the word about the upcoming election.

“We’re trying to get as much word out as possible so that you can pick up packets in the office ... and so (residents) know that this process is available to them,” Bittner said.

The packets have been ready since the new year began.

“Kind of after the first of the year we had our packets ready to go and ready to pick up ... they can file up to 4 p.m. Feb. 12,” Bittner said.

The city has not had anyone file for the mayor position yet.

Slater will remain as mayor until the first Council meeting after the election when the new mayor takes office. The date of the first meeting is May 13.

Filing packets are available at the Troy City Clerk’s Office during regular business hours.